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Celsius to Fahrenheit Conversion: Definition and Examples

Jessica Kaminski

reviewed by Jo-ann Caballes

Updated on October 6, 2024

Get to know the Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion and expand your knowledge of algebra with Brighterly. Here, we’re dedicated to making math fun, accessible, and interactive. 

In this article, we’ll explore the concept of Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion and some examples. Knowing how to convert between Celcius and Fahrenheit is not only essential for math grades; you’ll encounter this concept when you need to convert worldwide temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit, especially when traveling or working overseas. Additionally, it improves your practical numeracy skills, which are helpful in school and everyday life. 

What Is Celsius to Fahrenheit Conversion?

Fahrenheit and Celsius are two different temperature scales. Celsius to Fahrenheit is the temperature conversion from the Celsius unit to the Fahrenheit unit. They are used as measurement scales for determining hotness and coldness. The symbols are °C and °F accordingly. Fahrenheit is used predominantly in the US. 

Celsius to Fahrenheit Conversion: Definition and Examples

The Celcius temperature range is different from Fahrenheit based on the temperature at which ice melts. Ice melts at 0 degrees Celsius, while with Fahrenheit, it melts at 32. The other example would be the point of boiling water, which is 100 degrees Celsius and 212 degrees Fahrenheit, accordingly.

In other words, the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales have different reference points, so learning the Fahrenheit to Cecius formula is very important for both scientific and everyday scenarios. 

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How to Convert Celsius into Fahrenheit?

To convert Celsius into Fahrenheit, you have to use a Celsius to Fahrenheit formula. Now, it can be confusing at first, but you have to practice it a couple of times to grasp it. 

As we already know, the melting point of ice is 0 degrees on the Celsius scale and 32 degrees on the Fahrenheit scale; then again, water boils at 100 degrees on the Celsius scale and 212 degrees on the Fahrenheit scale. To convert all of this, you must use the following formula: °F = °C × (9/5) + 32.

With this formula to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, you can convert any given value and see the exact degrees in Fahrenheit. 

Let’s look at this in more detail. We will use the above mentioned formula to convert C to F, where

• C = Celsius temperature measurement (°C).
• F = Fahrenheit temperature measurement (°F).

So, let us explain the steps used to convert a temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit:

• Step 1: Place a value in Celcius. 
• Step 2: Multiply the given value by 9.
• Step 3: Divide the product by 5. 
• Step 4: Add 32 to the result of Step 3. There, you have your value in Fahrenheit.

Here’s an example. Imagine you have to convert 30 degrees Celsius to Fahrenheit: °F = 30 × (9/5) + 32 = 54 + 32 = 86. (30°C = 86°F).

Derivation of C to F Formula

We already know the boiling point and freezing point of water on the Celsius and Fahrenheit scale. Now we can derive the formula for Celcius to Fahrenheit.

• The water freezing point in Fahrenheit is 32°F, while the boiling point is 212°F. The difference between the two is 180 (212 – 32 = 180).
• In the same fashion, the freezing point of water in Celsius is 0°C, while the boiling point is 100°C. Therefore, the difference is 100°C in the freezing point and boiling point of water (100 – 0 = 100). 

Naturally, the scales would rise at a different rate, 100 and 180, accordingly. As Fahrenheit and Celsius are directly proportional to each other, both scales will rise and vice versa. That makes the ratio of change from Celcius to Fahrenheit 100/180 or 5/9. And from Celcius to Fahrenheit — 180/100 or 9/5.

Let’s relate them using an equation form. Since water freezes at 0°C and 32°F and scales start with different points, we must add or subtract 32 to equal both scales. Therefore, the equation follows °F = 9/5 × °C + 32.

Consequently, we get °F = °C × (9/5) + 32 on conversion. So, the equation for Celsius to Fahrenheit reduces to °F = °C × (9/5) + 32.

Celsius to Fahrenheit Formula Using Straight Lines

Let’s explore the Celsius to Fahrenheit formula using straight lines. 

x = the temperature in the C scale.

y = the temperature in the F scale.

Both x and y are proportional, so they have a linear relationship. Using the freezing and boiling points of water, let’s assume that

• (x1, y1) = (0, 32)
• (x2, y2) = (100, 212)

The slope, m = (212 – 32) / (100 – 0) = 180/100 = 9/5. So, the equation of the line is
y = mx + c

y = 9/5 • x + 32 (∵ (0, 32) = (0, c) = the y-intercept)

Replacing it with °F and x with °C, we get:

°F = °C × (9/5) + 32.

That way, we derive the Celsius to Fahrenheit formula.

Shortcut Method for Celsius to Fahrenheit Conversion

We understand that all of the above might seem a tad too difficult. The good news is there is a simplified formula to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit. So, the quick and straightforward conversion looks like this: you have to double the °C figure and add 30.
However, while it might be reasonably accurate for weather temperatures, it’s just an approximation. For other scientific calculations, you have to go with a normal formula for precision. 

Celsius to Fahrenheit Chart

If you need to check the C to F conversion fast, here’s a simple, easy-to-use Celsius to Fahrenheit chart for your future reference. Come back anytime to check the difference between Fahrenheit and Celsius chart!

Celsius to Fahrenheit Conversion: Examples

Now, let’s explore some examples of Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion so you can master this math concept more easily. 

Example 1. Convert 25°C to Fahrenheit.

• Formula:  °F = °C × (9/5) + 32.

Example 2. Convert -10°C to Fahrenheit.

• Formula:  °F = °C × (9/5) + 32.

Example 2. Convert 37°C to Fahrenheit.

• Formula:  °F = °C × (9/5) + 32.

What is 38 Celsius in Fahrenheit?

38 Celsius to Fahrenheit is 100.4°F. The formula is (38 × 9/5) + 32 = 100.4. 

How much is 36.8 Celsius in Fahrenheit?

We use the same formula as above to calculate this problem: F = (36.8 × 9/5) + 32 = 98.24 °F. Thus, 36.8°C is approximately 98.2°F.

Celsius to Fahrenheit Conversion: Practice Math Problems

Now, it’s time for some practice. Here are a couple of math problems to help you practice Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion. Don’t get discouraged if you can’t solve them on the first try. Practice makes perfect, so give it as much as you need to understand how to convert temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit fully! 

Use Сelsius to Fahrenheit formula to solve the following problems:

1. Convert 10°C to Fahrenheit
2. Convert 15°C to Fahrenheit
3. Convert -8°C to Fahrenheit
4. Convert 42°C to Fahrenheit
5. Convert 100°C to Fahrenheit
6. Convert 28.6°C to Fahrenheit
7. Convert -11.8°C to Fahrenheit
8. Convert 44.6°C to Fahrenheit
9. Convert 22°C to Fahrenheit
10. Convert 17°C to Fahrenheit

Celsius to Fahrenheit Conversion: Worksheets

By now, you should feel pretty confident converting Celcius to Fahrenheit. Even though it seemed confusing at first, you have mastered the formula to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit! Well done!

Before you leave, put your new skills to the test: we’ve created a couple of math worksheets with the Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion and related problems to help you further sharpen your skills and knowledge. 

Temperature Worksheets
Temperature Conversion Worksheets
Algebra Worksheets

Jessica Kaminski

70 articles

Jessica is a a seasoned math tutor with over a decade of experience in the field. With a BSc and Master’s degree in Mathematics, she enjoys nurturing math geniuses, regardless of their age, grade, and skills. Apart from tutoring, Jessica blogs at Brighterly. She also has experience in child psychology, homeschooling and curriculum consultation for schools and EdTech websites.